New Delhi, April 25
Young children with chronic conditions are more likely to be hospitalised for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) than healthy children, according to a new study on Friday.
The study led by researchers from the University of British Columbia in Canada showed that toddlers with chronic conditions are hospitalised for RSV at twice the rate of healthy toddlers.
The risk was highest for children born very prematurely under 28 weeks of gestation, or with conditions affecting multiple organs, the lungs, heart, or digestive system.
Researchers recommend that children with those specific conditions receive immunisation against RSV in their first season to increase protection, even if their mother was vaccinated.
Current guidelines suggest pregnant women should receive vaccination before birth to pass on antibodies.
“Our research finds that many children with chronic conditions require seasonal RSV immunisation beyond the period of protection that can be achieved with maternal vaccination. It expands current definitions from traditionally defined high-risk groups to other children with chronic conditions that could equally benefit from RSV immunisation, up to two years of age,” said Marina Vineta Paramo, a graduate student at the Faculty of Medicine.
“Our study underscores the importance of children with chronic conditions getting immunised against RSV in their second season, and in their first season even if their mother was vaccinated,” Paramo added.